OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of laparoscopic-assisted resection of rectal carcinoma on perioperative levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), immunoglobulins(Ig) and complements.

METHODSFifty-four patients with rectal carcinoma were divided into laparoscopic group (n=26) and open operation group(n=28) according to the patients' will. C-reactive protein (CRP), IgG, IgA, IgM, C(3), C(4) and CH(50) of peripheral blood were assayed preoperatively and on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 7th day postoperatively.

RESULTSCompared with the preoperative period, the CRP levels in both groups were significantly increased on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd day(P<0.01) and peaked on the 2nd day postoperatively. The postoperative CRP levels were significantly lower in the laparoscopic group than those in the open operation group(P<0.01). After operation, the immunoglobulin levels were significantly decreased in both groups(P<0.01), and there were no significant differences in IgG and IgM. The levels of C(3), C(4) and CH(50) were significantly decreased after operation in both groups(P<0.05) and returned to the preoperative levels during postoperative 48-72 hours in laparoscopic group.

CONCLUSIONLaparoscopic-assisted resection of rectal carcinoma results in less wound, lower levels of stress response, and less effect on immune function compared to open surgery, which recovers the immune function of patients more rapidly after operation.